Andrey Ivanovich Gorchakov, Russian General 1825

George Dawe painted this portrait of Andrey Ivanovich Gorchakov, a Russian General, sometime in the first third of the 19th century. Dawe was a prolific English portraitist who found success in Russia, where he painted hundreds of portraits of generals who participated in the Napoleonic Wars. These paintings served a clear public role in the Russian context. They helped to solidify the image of the victorious Russian military and legitimize the authority of the Tsar. In this image, Gorchakov is presented as a figure of power and authority. The visual codes are clear: his uniform, his medals, and his stern expression all contribute to this impression. We can assume that this image was commissioned either by Gorchakov himself or by the Russian state. This work exists today in the Hermitage Museum, the State collection of Russia. The historian can look at how these paintings were used to shape public opinion and promote a particular vision of Russian identity. By examining the social conditions that shaped the production and reception of this portrait, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.